When Chad Gaudin was studying his career options back in early April, two things struck him favorably about a future with the San Diego Padres.

The Padres were offering him a chance to continue his career as a starter. And the 26-year-old right-hander, who was a free agent after being released by the Chicago Cubs, was intrigued by the prospect of playing in pitcher-friendly Petco Park.

Having been with the Padres more than three weeks, Gaudin finally will get his first opportunity to play at Petco Park on Wednesday night the Padres host San Francisco in the middle game of a three-game series.

Each of Gaudin's first four starts as a Padre was on the road – Colorado, Dodger Stadium, Houston and Wrigley Field.

Gaudin would rather forget his visit to his old haunts last Thursday afternoon. Although he allowed only one hit in 4 1/3 innings against the Cubs, Gaudin issued seven walks, leading directly to four runs.

The Padres are riding a four-game winning streak going into Wednesday night's game. A win would tie the club's longest winning streak of the season and equal their entire 2008 win total (five) against the Giants.

Gaudin has allowed 17 walks and 17 hits over 22 innings in his first four starts with the Padres. He has lost his past three decisions with a 6.35 ERA after throwing five shutout innings in his Padres debut on April 28 in Chicago.

Sanchez, 26, has a 3.78 ERA in his past three games. In his only appearance against the Padres this season, Sanchez struck out five of the first six batters at Petco Park before Henry Blanco hit the first of two consecutive homers into the left-field stands. Sanchez allowed five runs in 4 1/3 innings and took the loss in a pairing with Jake Peavy. Adrian Gonzalez also hit a bases-loaded double against Sanchez in April.